My critics are racists, says student boss accused of bullying
The president of the National Union of Students is being investigated after she was accused of abusing staff, making them cry and creating a ‘toxic’ environment.
Shakira Martin, 29, has vehemently denied claims she shouted and swore at union officers leaving them feeling ‘anxious’ and ‘unsafe’.
The single mother of two, who was brought up by working-class Jamaican parents, has made counter allegations that she is a victim of ‘racism and classism’.
Admitting she is ‘rough around the edges’, she said: ‘I’m a strong, outspoken, articulate black woman that likes piercings and tattoos and I’ve got swagger. I’m not going to change myself.’
At least five NUS members have complained that Miss Martin’s behaviour amounted to ‘harassment and bullying’.
All union officers have been told to work from home while the claims are investigated amid rising tensions over the bullying row at the London headquarters of the NUS this week.
An NUS spokesman said it was an interim measure ‘to protect all parties’ involved.
One complainant, NUS women’s officer hareem Ghani, called for Miss Martin’s suspension claiming she shouted and swore at officers on a number of occasions. She alleged that the president had ‘reduced staff and officers to tears’ and left people feeling ‘anxious’.
It is believed at least two complaints relate to Miss Martin’s conduct during an incident in the NUS offices in December.
In an interview with the Guardian Miss Martin admitted she had ‘lost it’ on this occasion, claiming she was provoked.
The NUS parents and carers representative, Deej Malik-Johnson, also alleged that Miss Martin had been allowed to ‘harass and bully volunteers’, according to Cambridge University’s student newspaper Varsity.
LGBT officer Noorulann Sha-
‘I’ve suffered victimisation’
hid said the president’s presence produced an ‘unsafe and toxic’ environment.
Myriam Kane, an NUS national executive council member, claimed Miss Martin had harassed her on social media. Another member, Amelia horgan, alleged there was a fear of bullying at the union which was ‘not functioning’.
Further accusations against Miss Martin have been made on social media which she herself has asked to be investigated. She has also called for the behaviour of a number of fellow officers to be investigated in relation to potential breaches of the union’s code of conduct.
Miss Martin denied being a bully and told the Guardian she felt traumatised by the attacks against her on social media. ‘I believe the victimisation I’ve suffered is because I’m a black, working-class woman,’ she said.
‘For the past few weeks I’ve been a victim of racism and classism. I don’t have a degree. I’m a single parent. I’m aware of how I sound. To people that know me – yeah that’s Shakira. To people that don’t know me, it’s creating that picture and it’s a false picture.
‘I’m a strong, outspoken, articulate black woman that likes piercings and tattoos and I’ve got swagger. I’m not going to change myself. I’m not going to be anything but Shakira – rough around the edges, straight talking, authentic, real Shakira.’
Miss Martin, one of nine siblings, grew up in Lewisham, south London, and became involved in student politics while in further education.
She said the allegations against her were ‘electioneering’ ahead of NUS officer elections next month, and said she plans to stand for re-election.
An NUS spokesman said the allegations were being reviewed, and ‘measures have been put in place to ensure the safety and support of staff, officers and volunteers is made a top priority.
‘We take the health and wellbeing of those that work for us seriously and any breaches of codes of conduct will be dealt with appropriately’.